These solar panels have higher than average efficiencies and also come in at a higher price tag.
Average weight of solar panels.
For a 16 foot rafter this then results in a 352 lbs.
Most solar panels last for 50 years have a 25 year warranty and start generating a return on investment after 8.
Both the mounting equipment and the solar panels weigh 2 4 lbs per square foot which is equivalent to 10 20 kg per square meter on average.
The average solar panel payback period is 7 to 12 years and solar energy saves 600 to 2 000 per year on electricity costs.
Therefore a typical roof with 24 inch rafter spacing and rafters that weight 2 plf would have a dead load of 10 x 24 12 2 22 plf before the solar equipment was added.
In the case of a 6kw solar installation which constitutes 20 solar panels you are talking about 800 pounds 20 panels by 40 pounds heavy.
On average a solar panel weighs about 40 pounds but it could be as light as 33 pounds and as heavy as up to 50 pounds.
However one has to take into account the point loads as installers often want to minimize the number of mounting locations in order to minimize the risk of leaks.
The point loads are other considerations to take into account since installers often want to minimize the number of mounting locations for them to.
The average cost to install solar panels is from 10 626 to 26 460 after tax credit for a 6kw to 12kw system to power an entire house.
Based on our calculations above the system measures around 352 square feet which translates to the average weight of about 2 3 pounds per square foot 800 pounds 352 square feet.
The weight is within the acceptable limits of any roof.
When going for rooftop systems an important thing to consider is the weight of solar panel.
With all of the glass frame and laminating sheets contributing the average weight of a solar panel is 40 50 pounds depending on size.
Balancing solar panel weight.
In a 6 kilowatt solar installation made up of 20 solar panels the panels alone will weigh approximately 800 pounds 20 panels x 40 lbs.
Weight is an important criterion in solar panels as a solar rooftop plant with several panels could exert significant load on the roof.
So if you plan to use high efficiency solar panels keep in mind that your solar panel installation could end up costing you more money than if you used standard efficiency panels.
Very often the solar panels are going to be mounted on one side which could have the adverse effect of unbalancing the structure if it is insecure.
This depends on the manufacturers and technology used.
Alternatively it can be also said that panels weigh 2 4 pounds per square foot.